Village to host agri-based tourism

THE Gabensis village in Morobe is the host of US$58,900 (about K166,856) South Korean government-funded agriculture and eco-tourism development project.
The new village movement concept is courtesy of the South Korea.
The pilot project will include the construction of a yam-based tourism facility known as “Saemaul Eco-lodge” and production and processing of yams.
This is a corporation project for rural development between South Korea and PNG, facilitated by South Korea’s Kongwon National University and PNG’s National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).
Last Friday, a ground breaking ceremony was held at the village within Huon district to kick-start the construction of the eco-lodge.
Gabensis is located about 5km after the famous Markham Bridge, along the Wau-Bulolo road. 
The South Korean government, through the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, is investing in the new initiative expected to bring positive developments in eco-tourism to the district and the province.
The ground breaking was done by Prof Jeon Un-seong, president of foundation of agricultural technology, commercialisation and transfer under the rural development agency of the South Korean government.
It was witnessed by Wampar LLG president Peter Namus, provincial tourism officer Joe Kevere, and other provincial officials.